Katekyo Hitman Reborn! Fan Fiction ❯ Cavallone Moon ❯ Forming Resolution ( Chapter 6 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Tsukiko woke to the all-too-familiar smell of bleach and invading scents of medical substances from the fading remnants of a dream she couldn’t recall. A soothing feeling soon washed over as a bright and warm light cloaked her body in a protective embrace. She could sense her frame mold into a somewhat comfortable ground covered by an acquainted scent that gradually overrode the others the longer she focused on them.

After a powerful yawn, she was forced to peel her drowsy blue eyes open, slightly blurred and blinded by the bright sun shining prominently through an open window as a warm breeze danced across her soft skin. Bright blue eyes observed the reminiscent scented flowers just outside the window at the foot of her bed on a table, noticing that she was in a hospital room, explaining the scents. The different flowers nearby were clearly gifts as they held small cards and a few little ‘get well’ balloons-on-a-stick gifts, as she called them.

For a moment, she was lost, unsure why she was there in the first place until she faintly remembered the feeling of warm hands holding her, the erratic sound of a beating heart, and a familiar soothing deep voice in the distance from her fading consciousness.

“Dino…” His name was the first thing to cross her lips and thoughts. She could only imagine his reaction when he found her in her state, guilt swelling in her gut. Whatever happened, it wasn’t good.

As her thoughts lingered on him, said klutzy man reclined asleep in the corner of her room on one of the most uncomfortable hospital chairs, stirring from her soft voice calling his name. His soft brown eyes blinked drowsily, sleep clearly lacking due to his struggle to open them as he attempted to look around. When they zeroed in on her, they widened and grew fully alert when he saw that she was awake.

“Tsukiko..?” An oh-so familiar voice sighed lightly from the other side of the room, startling the girl. Immediately, her head shot to her left to find said blond shifting to sit up, cringing at every pain that shot through his sore body from sleeping in awkward angles. “Y-You’re awake! Thank god!”

Dino pushed up by his arms to stand and walked to her, fully awake at this point. His attentiveness was fully directed on her. He had been so worried for her all night as sleep was difficult to acquire. He didn’t care, however. His top priority was to…be with her till she woke.

Tsukiko lifted herself into a sitting position, leaning more to face him. Her bright eyes were wide, surprised entirely to see him there beside her. She felt a small blush form at the thought of him staying all night watching over her. Was he really that worried?

Tsukiko began to panic inwardly, her face contorted a little. ‘Did I snore..?! Or drool?! Oh god! This is so awkward…’

“D-Dino…san…I-“ She began, but stopped herself with uncertainty. In these situations, it was awkward. Iemitsu and the others never showed this much concern for her wellbeing, not that they weren’t or wouldn't, but…staying and watching her sleep was weird. Yet this was Dino, so…it was actually kind of sweet. Honestly, she didn’t deserve someone like him.

Dino was oblivious to her inner embarrassment and unease as he stretched along his way towards her, attempting to relax his body. He felt great relief in her recovery, though even if it was just one night, he felt necessary to be there for her when she woke.

“Tsukiko, you don’t ne-OW!”

The heavens must have it out for him at that exact moment, he swore.

His right foot’s front tip hit the back of his left leg, only to force his foot from following his momentum as he tried to move forward. The action caught the blond off-guard as he dived forward into the cold, hard hospital floor, managing to grab hold of Tsukiko’s blanket and snatching it straight from her grasp. She shivered at the contact of cold air to her barely covered body and flinched at the painful collision Dino endured.

A loud smack and yelp could be heard when he made contact with the floor, startling the girl. She tried to move over to him, failing to notice that the blond was in the middle of climbing up as their foreheads collided with one another in another loud smack. Both individuals fell back in pain and embarrassment, clutching at their tender foreheads.

“That’s smart…” The blunette held onto her forehead in agonizing pain and rolled over onto her back, legs bent to her chest as she rolled back and forth to try to ease the pain from forming a big headache. Due to this action, she didn’t notice the change in her clothing; she wasn’t wearing her shorts anymore.

“Ah! A-Are you ok, Tsukiko?” Dino began apologizing as he climbed back up, slowly this time. He was about to speak until he noticed how high the edge of her hospital skirt slipped up her slender thighs as she continued to roll around with her head gripped in her hands. A large blush covered his light tanned skin in embarrassment as his eyes lingered in areas they shouldn’t, thus the dirty thoughts flourished. He cursed himself silently for suddenly growing a bit hot and bothered at the wrong moment and place.

Staggered, his eyes traveled her slender legs from her small curled toes to her slightly defined calves and up her slender thighs as the edge of the skirt began to slide up bit by bit.  Dino felt a growing heat boil from his gut and lower, his obvious attraction was evolving into something he could barely control at will. Yet he still labeled it as a small crush.

Early in the night, she looked so peaceful and angelic, until those cries surfaced. All fear and panic emerged as he tried to sooth her constant twisting in the bed, yet nothing he tried would reach her. It was one of those dreams that would not relinquish its hold on your mind, keeping you in that far off nightmare. The image of her last night was still fresh, which is mostly the reason he lacked sleep. How can you when someone you care for is scared and crying?

Even as she slept, it was difficult to keep his thoughts clean, even if his intentions were noble and sincere. He was a man, after all, and with urges. He could blame her, but it was her oblivious innocence and moans in her sleep that did it for him. He couldn’t remember the last time he felt this nervous around a girl. Of course, staying awake and watching a girl sleep didn’t help. He felt like an old pervert.

Dino had to forcefully rip his eyes away to look into hers when she rolled over to face him with a big silly grin as she giggled. Her large blue eyes sung with merriment, hair tousled and splayed across the bedding, and her dainty lips wide in a bright smile. Oh, how he loved that smile. It was so contagious that even he returned a soft smile.

“Ano, Dino-san? Were you here all night?” She asked with a subtle hint of teasing. She acquired the exact reaction she wanted when he suddenly began to blush further in embarrassment and stuttered a response. She found his bashfulness and sweet personality something that she admired about him. It was refreshing to be around someone who genuinely wanted to protect everyone, whether they’re family or a stranger in need of saving. He would be there as a support.

His heart pumped faster and body sweated just seeing her with hair tousled and skirt riding high, it looked entirely suggestive. Considering her nature was playful and teasing, he wondered if she was doing this intentionally.

Rubbing the back of his head in a nervous habit, he couldn’t help but ponder on how her habits and mannerisms were giving him mixed signals. Of course, lots of women did that…yet he couldn’t see her as just any woman or like the others.

“I..uh, well, you were…I thought that…I should watch you sleep…” the blond paused, eyes averted in a different direction. “Oh god…that sounds really creepy and stalkerish…”

The dark haired girl chuckled lightly in mock agreement. “A bit.”

“But I-I’m n-not like that!” In panic, the blond tried to wave off the wrong idea. “I was just worried for you.”

“Of course~.” She spoke sarcastically just to give him shit.

When she collapsed unexpectedly, he probably was tearing himself apart with worry over the situation without a single idea as to how it happened. Although, she could remember the painful experience as a strange, overwhelming fear devoured her spontaneously, causing her heart and body to overwork itself till she felt like she was going to explode.

Dino stood from the floor to sit beside her. A silence fell over them, difficult to decide if it was meant to be a comfortable one or serious, but it sure was a bit awkward.

“I found you unconscious on the balcony…” He cut through, drawing her attention to his averting eyes. “We had a nurse check you and all she told us is that you underwent a great amount of stress suddenly which caused you to collapse.”

He explained as he settled his elbows on his knees and leaned forward, covering half of his face as he grimly remembered. “I was so worried. I thought the worst…but…do you know what pushed you so far before you passed out?”

“…” She hesitated to answer him. He didn’t look at her, but took her silence as his answer for the moment.

She heard him sigh, rubbing his temple even more now. He mumbled to himself, cursing rather sharply. It was obvious, he was blaming himself.

“Dino…I-“

“I’m so sorry, Tsukiko. I wasn’t there…I should have…I…” He continued rambling every possible reason he could find to blame himself. Noticing the change in his behavior, she scooted closer to him and tried to catch his attention once more.

This wasn’t like him, she grimaced. Pictures of his carefree smile and clumsy moments raced through her mind, reminding her of what she loved about him. She understood responsibility, but no person could be everywhere at once. Besides, it was her problem. She didn’t want him getting involved in something…dark and somewhat torturing. Regardless, this needed to stop. He’s tearing at himself.

“Dino! Listen! Dammit!” Without warning, she did the only thing she could to force his attention away from this nonsense if he refused to listen. She pushed forward; arms stretched towards him. It was strange, to feel the need to do that, but she couldn’t stand seeing him doing that to himself. It was painful to watch. He was suffering on her account.

Dino was in the middle of his self-blaming when he felt something soft and warm crush against his back, startling him. She held onto him from behind, arms draped around his shoulders and head resting against the side of his and the crook of his neck. His eyes couldn’t widen any more than that moment, nor his blush as her cheek pressed against his and her hot breath tickled his neck with mixed sensations. His thoughts immediately went to the parts he could feel them connecting. Her breast pressed firmly to his back and prominently.

Her distraction worked as he began to stutter out her name in broken syllables. She took this opportunity to press forward. “Don’t you dare start blaming yourself, Cavallone Dino. I can’t have that. I won’t!”

She squeezed slightly to emphasize her words. His stuttering seized when she started. His heart calmed, only a little. “Tsuki…ko..?”

“What happened was just a moment of stress. You have done nothing wrong, in fact, you saved me, Dino.” She smiled, snuggling closer, enjoying the warmth and scent that is his own. “Thank you.”

“I….” He relaxed in her arms, smiling. “I’m sorry, you’re right.”

She shifted to sit beside him, forcing him to face her more. She looked at him with a serious expression, feigning slight anger. “But I swear! If you start to blame yourself again, I will resort to using force!”

As example, she reached out and pinched his cheeks hard, stretching them. Dino flinched at the sudden pain, small tears swelling at the ends of his eyes. “Ow-ow-ow-ow! Soo-ke-koh!”

“Promise me! No matter what…” As she said those words, something surfaced in the back of her mind, telling her that something could happen to her despite all her tough act. She then ended with muttering words. “I can’t stand seeing you upset like that…”

“Ah! Oh-oh-kay…! I Pwowish!” Dino released the tight grip of his pants when she softened her hold, smoothing out his cheeks gently with a big ‘innocent’ grin. “…was that really necessary?”

“Yes, well, you don’t have any reason to worry about me…nothing happened!” She brushed it off. “I had an excellent sleep.”

“I doubt that. But…you were in pain…” Tsukiko paused to look at him in confusion. She wondered if he was referring to before or during her unconsciousness. Yet the darkening in his eyes told her he could see straight through her. “Even from that, you can’t convince me otherwise…”

“Wh-what…?” She noted how grim he suddenly looked. She was mind blown at how a single claim can trigger a drastic mood change. His eyes softened as he thought back.

“You were…crying…I-I…couldn’t do anything for you, except just be there…” He murmured. “Even then, I felt helpless.”

Tsukiko stared at the blond beside her bed, sitting straighter to look at him momentarily. “Don’t…Dino…You’ve done so much for me…”

“No-no-no! You don’t…get it…why I was blaming myself…” Sighing, his eyes observed her face. Clearly she had no clue what she did during her sleep, or what she had said…or she was feigning ignorance. “You spoke in your sleep…just…don’t you remember?”

“N-No…” The dark haired girl darkened a bit as she looked at him reluctantly. Judging by how he spoke, it seemed to be very disquieting if he struggled to voice it.

Forlorn russet eyes locked completely towards uncertain light blue. It was difficult to say just because it was a bit embarrassing to admit out loud. “You cried out to me, Tsukiko.”

Blinking, the girl blushed fully from immense embarrassment as her gut twisted sickly. “I-I-I did what..?”

Dino let out a half smile at her perplexed reaction, yet continued to express his apprehension.

Shaking her head, the blunette, shifted to face him, sitting on her knees. “I don’t remember. I don’t…dream often, to be honest. Or at least, I don’t remember them, anyways.”

Confused, Dino gazed solemnly at the depressed girl beside as she looked down at her hands guiltily. All this time, he stood ignorant, unknowingly missing any signs of her inner struggles. Was he really that oblivious? Yet, she never showed any signs, clearly skilled at hiding and keeping to herself. Was she hiding this so that she wouldn’t worry others? Why tell him now, unless…something serious happened?

“I don’t really dream of images, but voices in my dreams. Familiar voices.” She scooted back, avoiding his eyes in fear of what expression he would give her. Hearing ‘voices’ isn’t exactly sane. “They’re voices to faces I should know. People I knew. But I can’t get pictures to them. They all just have shadowy figures…speaking in broken fragments that I can’t piece together…some of them grow rather loud and violent…”

“Tsukiko…” She heard him call to her softly, yet she refused to look at him ashamedly. The thought of him rejecting her terrified her more than anything. He had been so kind to her. He was a friend she could rely on always. Someone she cared for even in a short amount of time. To lose him would kill her slowly from inside and out.

“I…haven’t told anyone that it’s been getting worse sometimes. However, before I passed out, it was the first time a voice spoke while I was awake…” She could feel tears begin to build up in her vision, but tried desperately not to show a weak side to him.

When she didn’t respond, only to curl up further, head lower and arms wrapped around over her knees, he understood that she had in fact been hiding this problem to herself and felt ashamed. If he didn’t do something soon, she would withdraw completely, cutting everyone out.

“Look at me, Tsukiko.” He scooted closer to her cautiously. He paused in shock when he saw how her shoulders began to shake lightly, silent sobs disturbing her. With soft expression, he reached out to her and gently raised her face to his own, and lovingly kissed her forehead. To which the young female panicked from embarrassment, face burning red as she froze. Wet tears stopped and her flushed cheeks dry and hot.

As he pulled back, he smiled at her and stroked the side of her face, wiping away the remaining tears. “There’s no reason to be ashamed or scared. I’m here for you, now and always. Everyone is. Together, we can help you. You're not alone. Remember this.”

Surprised by the kiss and sincere words, she felt as all her worries were melted away and replaced with a strange fluttering feeling in the pit of her stomach. That kind smile was bright and warm like the sunny sky as it enveloped her wholly. She felt at peace. As if she was flying high.

“Di…no…” Her voice was barely above a whisper.

“Tsukiko…” he pulled her close to hold her securely. He buried her head between his shoulder and neck, rubbing circles on her back. “I will protect you. This I swear. I just wish for you to be open with me about these sorts of things. I can help. I will never judge anything you say. Never.”

She pulled back to look into his eyes. She saw how serious he was in his statement. The look in his eyes proved his strong resolve. That was something everyone had, but her.

Will she continue having everyone constantly worrying about her? Comforting her when she has a bad dream, or can’t remember shit? She wasn’t weak. However, she had no clue what her resolve was, or her pride. These were always brought up with Lal-shishou and Colonello when training or given lectures on her down time. In example, they used Tsuna and what he fought for. To protect his friends as they, too, were his pride…

The one thing that she was clearly certain of was that she cared for these people endlessly, no matter the short amount of time. Whoever she was previously…it no longer mattered to her at this moment. She didn’t care if she’d ever remember. It was now and them. The present and future.

That was it!

She needed to find her own resolve.

At this moment, there was this powerful aura that practically latched itself onto her soul, a burning feeling that called out to her. Without a moment of hesitation, she willing accepted it.

“Then…” Her heart pumped fast and a swell of astonishing emotions began to pool out at once. Controlling her voice the best she could, Tsukiko furrowed her brows and gazed up at the Cavallone with determination and a new resolve building. Dino looked at her surprised from her sudden change in emotion, eyes widen when she gripped his hand that had wiped away her tears. “If you say that you’ll protect me, then I will do the same for you…”

Tsukiko furrowed her brows with wide determined eyes and sealed her lips tightly to keep herself from shaking from the excitement pouring out at that moment. “Y-You will…b-be…my…bright and warm s-sky…”

Dino sat there stunned as his mouth and eyes were wide open as a nervous flush softly sprinkled his cheeks from her intense gaze. Her declaration astounded him as he did not expect something so noble and personal from her like this. His heart rate sped up from what she was implying. Did she understand what she was saying or was he misinterpreting her statement? It was so sudden, too.

Is this how it felt when your crush confesses?!

“Tsu-Tsukiko? I-I…” Dino stuttered, eyes struggling to keep hers firmly, but he was too nervous and flustered to recuperate in order to think properly. What should he say? It’s not like it’s an indirect confession…was it?

Dino’s mind was straining itself, eyes locked on hers, and unaware of eavesdroppers hiding right outside the hospital room. That was until the door suddenly flew open.

“Tsuki-nii!”

“Jie Jie!”

At that moment, the door flew open as two babies sprinted across the room and around Tsukiko’s bed to jump between her and Dino, latching onto Tsukiko. The couple jumped in surprise by the abrupt interruption, noticing the Vongola group of teens standing just outside the room. It was a wonder that Hibari didn’t appear out of thin air to chase them away from crowding.

The boys acted the usual as if it were any other day, excluding Tsuna who seemed genuinely worried. However, there was something off with how Kyoko and Haru were acting. The small blushes and shy giggles kind of made her feel a bit uneasy, particularly the way Bianchi smirked at her. Yet again with these looks! That would mean they watched hers and Dino’s small moment. It was impossible to be discreet and secretive around these women!

Perhaps it’s that thing Bianchi called a ‘woman’s intuition’.

Futa and Nana soon entered with great smiles on their faces. Those smiles and warm greetings really proved to her that NOW is what was important to her. These people have selflessly helped her and gave her shelter. It wasn’t just Dino that she felt that way, but these people too, including Iemitsu and Lal-shishou. She felt like she was a part of their family now.

“Tsuki-nii, how’re you feeling?” Futa asked sweetly as she reached over to pull him up in her lap along with Lambo and I-Pin.

“A lot better now that you kids are here!” She chuckled as the small boy smiled brightly, happy to be able to help.

Dino observed quietly between Tsukiko and the three balls of energy bouncing around her. He couldn’t stop from smiling as Lambo and I-Pin fought over the girl as she tries to calm the two while speaking with Tsuna and Nana. Tsukiko didn’t mind it, just laughing off their childish arguing.

“Now, now! Lambo-chan.” Nana smiled at Tsukiko. “The little ones were so worried for you Tsuki-chan. We all were. How’re you feeling now?”

Tsukiko sideways glanced at Dino briefly and back to Nana, noticing Bianchi’s wink from over the mother’s shoulder. Flushing a bit, she tried her best not to stutter. “I-I feel gr-great, actually. Just o-over stressed, I think. Not sure why I passed out, otherwise.”

And failed.

“That’s great! Actually, the doctor said that you shouldn’t need to stay any longer. You just needed a decent rest.” She smiled at Tsukiko who tried her hardest to ignore the intense stare downs Kyoko and Haru were giving her. Even Dino could feel the strange atmosphere, but couldn’t understand it.

At that moment, Nana’s cell phone rang, startling the woman a bit. “Oh! Excuse me! I’ll be right back.”

Nana left the room as she answered the call, creating an opening for the girls to hover the bed-ridden girl. The two stared at her strangely, faces strained with flushes and wide eyes that not so subtly flickered between her and Dino. Tsukiko had no clue as to what to do, they just stood there. Staring. Should she say something?

“A-Ano-” Before she could ask, they switch their gears and shoved a bag into her lap. Blue eyes flickered back and forth between the bag and the two girls who looked like they desperately wanted to say something. It almost looked painful. “Um…what are these for?”

A strange exchange happened between the two younger girls as they nodded to each other and stood straight with bright smiles, back to their usual selves at last. Yet something was still off about them.

“We brought you a change of clothes from your room! It should say enough. So quick! Lookie! Lookie!” Haru pointed to the pastel green bag in front of her, hardly holding back her excitement. Kyoko reflected her, yet the boys looked just as confused. Well, Gokudera looked irate. Although, she knew he was worried since he didn’t snap at her or say anything insulting. Maybe he was talked down.

She dug through to see one of her favorite white summer dresses she had bought with the girls a few days back. It was more loose and thin for the heat with short flaring short sleeves and layers down with a white ribbon to tighten or loosen the wide, open collar designed to show off her neck and shoulders. This one was perfect for the beach, she had said to them when purchasing it. She even found the perfect pair of light tan and white sandals with straps the wrapped around and up her ankles to mid-calves.

“…Oh!” It clicked immediately. Tsukiko looked up in surprise, wondering if this was ok. “We’re going to the beach?”

“Nope! A lake. Reborn-cha-..um..-kun’s suggestion. He even gave us directions!” Haru pulled out a piece of paper she scribbled on, raising it above her head exaggeratedly.

“As for the occasion. We thought that you needed to relax and get some healthy sun!” Kyoko smiled, holding her hands together with joy.

“And it gives a great reason to go somewhere with more space to swim!” Haru spun on her heels, to face the boys. “And you’re all coming, too!”

“Eh?!” Tsuna stared at her with eyes as wide as saucers.

“Don’t ‘eh’ me, Tsuna-kun!” Haru and Kyoko pointed at them, they weren’t accepting any ‘no’s’. Having silenced the boys, they spun to face their blue haired fellow lady. “So, get ready, Tsuki-nii!”

“R-Right.” She had no problem going, but they were unusually on fire. Even the boys looked a bit on edge whenever they got like this, except the laughing Yamamoto. He was always happy, she thought.

“Like hell we’re going to let you boss us around, woman! ESPECIALLY the Jyuudaime!”

And then there’s the loud shouting she was wondering when it would break the calm atmosphere of the hospital. Tsuna tried to quiet his friends as they argued, recreating the same energy of everyday life with them. From Yamamoto’s cheerful smile and easy-going personality to Ryouhei’s ever so hot-headed and ‘extreme’ life energy.

Everyone was unique, she admired. Always changing, too, but not to their personalities. She wondered if she would still be a part of this everyday adventure with them to the end. What would change for her, she wondered.

Tsukiko looked to the man beside her, wondering if she would still be a part of his everyday adventure. She wondered if he, too, would change. At that very thought, she hoped he wouldn’t, but only if to grow stronger. She loved how he was now. Smiling and laughing with everyone. Moments like these she cherished. To have friends like them.

“Tsu-kun~!” Nana returned quickly as she first turned to her son. “I need to meet your dad at the house, we’ll be having a guest over tonight~! So watch over the little ones while you all enjoy your time swimming.”

“Eh?!” Tsuna paled at the thought of being responsible, yet again, for the diabolical cow baby.

“Ja ne!” And then she was gone.

“Don’t worry, Tsuna. It’ll be fun.” Tsuna turned to the man beside Tsukiko who understood his distress.

“So, does that mean you’ll be going with us, Dino-san?” Tsuna smiled hopefully, as did Tsukiko.

“I sure am~!” Dino smiled excitedly, slightly amused by Tsukiko’s anticipating stare.

Tsuna sighed from relief…until a thought occurred. “…would Romario be coming along, too?”

“Sadly no. Ah, Romario was kind enough to finish grading my work for me today. I feel bad as a teacher, you know? He insisted that I’d go along and take a break, too.” Dino chuckled.

Tsuna nodded in understanding, but he still felt uncertain for his safety…and theirs. As did Tsukiko. She supposed that she’ll have to watch over him while Romario and their men were away.

“Wait…Dino-san, when did you get here?” Tsuna asked his big brother curiously who in return jumped and began to awkwardly stutter as he rambled on in attempt to explain or make up excuses. Even Tsukiko wondered this, but suddenly felt slightly nervous for him and her.

“You see I-! There was-She-We were all-needed to-um….I got here-“ Dino sat there burning up from embarrassment.

“You were here all night, weren’t you?” Bianchi spoke up, walking up to the flustered blond who leaned further back from her. She sniffed at him, oddly. “I can smell it.”

“I-I wha-?! S-Smell?!” He stuttered. Tsukiko was a bit worried from how red he was getting, it looked like he would pass out any moment. It was amazing at how observant Bianchi was, too.

“That you haven’t showered since yesterday morning. What else?” She smirked as the blond was now embarrassed at his fullest capacity, steam could literally now blow out of his ears. Even some were feeling bad for Dino at this moment, rarely ever seeing him so flustered.

“You can do that now?” Yamamoto asked obliviously, confusing Ryohei who actually started to believe it. At that, Tsukiko inwardly giggled at his oblivious nature. Yet, Gokudera wanted to smack both of them for it.

“Only if you…use authority and force.” Said Bianchi. In response to her assumptions, Dino tried to feign ignorance, yet failed to hide his furious blush.

“Ease down the teasing, Bianchi-nii-san.” Tsukiko raised her hands up defensively. “He’s just worried for my health and safety. I’m grateful that he’s been so kind to take care of me in the state I was in. I owe him.”

Hearing her say that made him feel appreciated. At the same time, he appreciated her steering his old friends ridiculous teasing away from him.

With a smirk, the woman let off pleased. “Alright, alright.”

At ease, Dino felt his body cool off, the flush disappearing. Regardless of the ceased teasing, it was all true. For one thing, he really did need a shower. Yet, that wasn’t the more embarrassing truth.  The hospital staff needed to be convinced one way or another as he stubbornly wanted to watch over her, Romario’s suggestion. That need was both from the promise he made to Iemitsu and Reborn and mostly because he felt the obligation to do it.

“Ano…Tsuki-nii…” A softer voice spoke from behind the group at the entrance to her hospital room.

Looking up, Tsukiko’s smile grew wider, pleased to see the shy Guardian. In her arms, was a small clear plastic bag with something she couldn’t recognize.

“Chrome-chan!” Haru and Kyoko rushed to the girl’s side and with a hug they gently pulled her inside and up to Tsukiko.

Situating her hospital gown, she shifted to face the girl as she shyly handed her a small bag. “I made these this morning for you…I hope that you like them.”

“Chocolate chip cookies! My favorite. Thank you, Chrome-chan!” The older girl stood to hug the startled girl, slightly embarrassing the girl who flushed dramatically. “Thank you, everyone, for checking up on me.”

Chrome blushed slightly. Contagiously, she gave Tsukiko her own from her adorable mannerisms. Just then, Kyoko and Haru gripped both of Chromes hands.

“You should come, too, Chrome-chan!” They offered.

Blinking, Chrome looked between the two and fell at last on Tsukiko. “Where to?”

“It’s been decided that we’re going to a lake that Reborn has given directions to.” Tsukiko replied with a half-smile. “Don’t really have a choice. They won’t take ‘no’ for an answer, so best to go willingly, Chrome-chan.”

“Wh-What? Wait. ‘Reborn’ you said?” Tsuna jumped at the realization.

“A bit slow today, aren’t you, Tsu-chan?” Tsukiko chuckled at Tsuna who flushed a bit.

The girls turned to their friend, nodding as Haru handed him the written directions. Looking over, Tsuna tried to remember if he knew where this would take them. Gokudera looked over his boss’ shoulder, browsing with sudden doubt and hesitation.

“Hmm…a-are you certain that these are…from Reborn-sama? These directions go all over the place…” The silver teen mumbled. “There are so many pointless routes…”

“OF COURSE! It’s just a lake, so everything will be fine.” Haru snatched the piece of paper from a growling Storm Guardian and stuffed it into her blue purse.

“Relax, Gokudera-kun.” Tsuna pleaded before his friend got too heated up.

“Quickly, before we leave today, we’re going~!” Kyoko and Haru clapped their hands together. “SHOPPING~!”

Chrome and Tsukiko blinked. “For what?”

The girls gawked at them strangely. “You don’t own a single pair of swim wear! That’s why! Neither does Chrome-chan, I think..?”

Tsukiko smiled awkwardly with slight narrowed eyes. “H-How…would you know that?”

“We went through your clothing drawers.” Haru answered innocently. The boys all blushed at how comfortable the girls were with just simply talking about their under wear and such. However, it seemed that Tsukiko was a bit embarrassed at this.

Coughing a bit, Tsukiko tried to let it go. “W-Well…I didn’t consider getting one till this moment. Um, I try not to spend my money blindly.”

“I’ve noticed this.” Bianchi spoke, eyes trained on light blue orbs. “You’ve been very conservative and cautious with your money that you’ve earned. I’m impressed as some teenage girls love to shop.”

Bianchi winked at Kyoko and Haru who stuck their tongues out playfully.

“Ah, I suppose.” Tsukiko looked to Chrome. “I’ll pay for you.”

“Ah! E-Etto…” The Mist girl stuttered. “Y-You don’t have to…”

Shaking her head, the blunette smiled assuredly. “It’s no problem for me. I’d like to help, if you want. I won’t force you.”

“Well, today, there’s no excuse! You need one in order to swim!” Haru decided, barely giving either room to argue.

“Alright, alright~!” Tsukiko chuckled. She understood the forceful attitude, having a swim suit would give her opportunities to try out the public pool with everyone else. She’s been missing each invitation.

The younger girl looked stunned, but smiled and thanked her sempai kindly.

“Great! Then it’s settled!” You can see the excitement blazing off of the two girls.

“I’ll get dressed and meet you all downstairs.” Tsukiko offered, helping the kids off the bed so that they can allow her to change into the white dress.

“We’ll be in the waiting room.” Bianchi led the boys out with a smile. Kyoko and Haru lifted the two smallest with Futa in tow. “Don’t get too distracted.”

“WH-WHAT?!” Both exclaimed.

With a last shaky sigh, Tsukiko flopped back against the mattress with eyes closed. Now what, she asked herself.

“Well,” Dino leaned forward and stood up, stretching out. He spoke slightly bashfully. “I-I’ll have to go…c-clean up and get ready at my place, first. Reborn also left me in charge to watch over you guys.”

“Right. I-I’m glad, actually.” Tsukiko blushed slightly, averting his mortified expression.

Understanding hit her as she tried to explain herself. “I-I meant that you’re going! N-Not…that other…doesn’t bother me…y-you smell perfectly fine to me! A-Ah that is…you smell nice…er…what I mean…dammit…”

“Happy that we get to spend more time together?” Dino chuckled, relieved and flattered.

“Ah!” She gasped, looking straight at him again. “Y-Yeah…was hoping you would. Go with us. I-Is…that weird…?”

Chuckling, Dino extended his hand out for her to grab. “Not at all.”

Shyly accepting his larger hand, she now stood, staring between his broad chest and collar bone. She suddenly felt hyper aware of how small in comparison to him she was and the close proximity, mostly frustrated to be easily effected by him.

The man never relinquished his hold on her hand, thoughts swarming back to her declaration prior to the visit by everyone. What should he say, he pondered. Should he return a similar gesture? Ask her more on the topic before jumping to conclusions? Did she even mean what he thought she meant? Doubt covered his mind.

“A-Ano…Dino…san..?” To his relief, she spoke first, hoping her thoughts were along the same path as his own.

“Yes..?”

Light cerulean eyes filled with hope flickered and locked to his darkening russet. “A-About…earlier…um…”

Dino waited for her to continue, but the confidence that she built up suddenly began to waver the longer she looked at him silently. Her brows began to twitch as they grew closer together making her look rather angry. It was rather worrisome when her hand in his began to tighten and clam up.

“U-Umm…Tsukiko?” Her tightening hold was beginning to scare him a slight bit.

And then she panicked.

“I-I’m so embarrassed! S-Sorry! Sorry! Oh man…I must’ve sounded so damn cheesy and awkward and lame and dumb…oh…KAMI!” Tsukiko gripped his hand tightly as the other pressed against his stomach in attempt to create space between them. “I-I feel sick all of a sudden…”

“A-Ah! It’s ok!” Her tight grip made him flinch.

“Oh! I’m s-sorry, Dino-san!” She released his hand embarrassed, yet as she tried to move away, he reached for her to pull her back into a soft embrace that prevented any escape.

“I’m happy to see that you’re back to your original self.” She froze as he gently rubbed her back. “I meant every bit of what I said, too. I won’t break that promise.”

“…m-me…too.”

R 20;I’m glad.” He whispered as he pulled back, hands still gently holding her shoulders. “If you’re not ready to finish this talk, we can wait after. For now, relax and enjoy yourself. OK?”

Before she could answer, he planted yet another gentle kiss that lingered as he cupped her reddened cheeks. How could he have this much effect on her like this? It was crazy.

As he pulled back, he gazed down at her with one of his heart-soaring smiles. “Now, I’ll go home and get ready, you do the same.”

She nodded dumbly with eyes wide with wonder and mouth slightly open as she gaped at him, watching as he turned waving and left. “What…the hell…was all of that..?”

The way he looked at her sent her heart into a wild fray and something almost like a nauseating feeling, but not quite horrible at the put of her stomach. Experimentally, she pinched her arm in attempt to see if she was actually dreaming, but unlikely. She never dreamt of something so…dreamy.

Snapping out of her ridiculous girlish fantasizing of the grown man, Tsukiko snatched her clothes and entered the small hospital bathroom to shower and meet the girls downstairs.

At the thought of the girls interrogating her, like the usual, she dreaded shopping for the first time.